The Language of the Future
Sufi Terminology
by Murshid F.A. Ali ElSenossi

adab al-khidma
Spiritual courtesy of service

(Adab al khidma). Those who serve Allah must observe the refined etiquette which is due to their King. The spiritual courtesy of service permeates all aspects of their lives because each moment of their lives is service to Allah.


See also: Follower Innovation People of Allah Present moment Slave
(Tabi'). This term refers to the one who is a follower of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace). A follower strives to emulate his perfect and beautiful character. A friend of Allah is always a follower (tabi') of the Prophet Muhammad and is never independent of his guidance. To be a true tabi' is to be greatly blessed. To be utterly dependent upon our Master, Sayyiduna Muhammad, is a gift from Allah.
(Bid'at). What is innovation? Transgressing the limits of the Divine Law, belittling the science of the Prophet (saw) and following one’s own opinion and whims, and abandoning the footsteps and the method of luminations. The People of Allah, those of the Spiritual Path, are sincere and devoted followers of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace). Through their awesome fear of Allah and their respect for the Sacred Law which was brought by the Holy Prophet Muhammad they never overstep the boundaries which have been established by the Law. They observe correct moral courtesy at all times.
(Ahl Allah). This title embraces the entire humanity, but there are many degrees within the Ahl Allah. These are the various levels of 'knowing Allah', for it is in knowing Allah that one is brought near to Allah. Amongst humanity there are people who do not want to know Allah, and there are people who do not know Allah, and people who do want to know Allah and at the higher levels there are the people who do know Allah. The men of this last group, the knowers of Allah ('arifin), occupy numerous ascending levels in their 'knowing'.
('Abd). The slave (and worshipper) is the one who is in a state of total and utter submission to the Will of Allah. After having been annihilated in Allah where all duality vanished and distinctions were erased, he returns to creation with perfect courtesy and with the Truth of Certainty that 'the Lord is the Lord and the slave is the slave'. When 'abd is translated as 'servant' it carries the implication that the servant can leave the service of his Master, if he so desires. However, the 'slave' is in total bondage, being utterly dependent upon his Master. All buying and selling transactions have been terminated. The slave belongs to Allah, completely, perfectly and unconditionally.

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